THE US tried to undermine a World Health Organization resolution to promote breastfeeding over breast milk substitutes, according to The New York Times.
The resolution was expected to be easily approved at the World Health Assembly in Geneva in May. But US officials reportedly wanted to cut wording that called on governments to restrict inappropriate marketing of baby formula and to 鈥減rotect, promote and support breastfeeding鈥�.
A recent report by charity Save the Children found that some formula makers have been skirting advertising restrictions, particularly in developing countries. Breastfeeding is considered especially beneficial in places without clean water and proper sanitation.
Advertisement
In a tweet on Monday night, President Donald Trump said the US strongly supports breastfeeding, but 鈥渨e don鈥檛 believe women should be denied access to formula鈥�. Ultimately, the assembly is reported to have approved the resolution with most of its original wording intact.
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淲HO breastfeeding brouhaha鈥�
